3 paintings for the Shades of Pastel Exhibtion

    Topaz Serenity    The Midas Touch  Formidable, yet Silent

 I am honored to be part of the Shades of Pastel Biennial Exhibition at the Strathmore.    I picked my paintings up  from my framers today and I will deliver them tomorrow to the Strathmore.  The show opens on the 26th of September.  If you are in the area please do stop by to see all the beautiful paintings by artists from all over the country. I can't wait to see!
Wish me luck :-)

Out of my comfort zone/Glazed Morning Field

10 x10 pastel and watercolor on Uart
I have declared many times that I do not like painting structures. But...then again it is always good to get out of your comfort zone and PUSH. Off to the snake river tower........ (my reward for doing a structure.) I love it out here. Did you know they have towns named "Endless" and "Opal"? Talk about evoking images!

Formidable, Yet Silent

28x42 pastel on oil paint on Marble dust board

I finally finished it! Mountains changed, glow added and river strengthened. I thoroughly enjoyed the last few days painting this one. The time when it just flows through you because you know what to do.

small changes Shenandoah

Next...with small changes. I am thinking about removing the middle distant mountains to make way for the river. Hope it is dry tomorrow I am craving plein air painting...almost as much as chocolate.

Work in Progress:Oh Shenandoah

28x42 pastel and oil on marble dust board
This one has been in the works for more than a year. It has gone through a few metamorphoses and will probably go through more. I wonder if it is too still for a big piece...does it need some notation of life? Still working...
Now it has stopped raining so I am out to the field for some plein air.

Maryland Pastel Society/Daybreak at Hawksbill Peak

26x32 pastel and oil on marble dust board

Yesterday the Maryland Pastel Society's Members show opened at the Ratner Museum. Upon entering the museum my jaw dropped. What beautiful work! I am honored to be part of it. I decided to stay around to hear the awards announcements. I think my heart stopped when Joe Fitzgerald (the judge) called MY name! First it was to receive the Connecticut Pastel Society Award. I wanted to gush, "I'm from Connecticut!", but I was too shy in front of all people I didn't know. Then when he announced the last award-" best of show" and he said my name I think my heart stopped. CPR please. Now back to the studio. (above is the painting that won!)

PS Thank you to all my new (and old)subscribers. I appreciate that you take time from your day to view my "vitamins."

January 2, 2008 Theme in Gold and Purple

17x22 pastel on board, Will be in the gallery, buy it there!

Yesterday I went to visit the Whistler landscapes at the Freer Gallery. His landscapes are all so subtle and abstract. I love the way he names his work by colors and music references. So thinking of him and Carl Sandburg's poem, Theme in Yellow, the title was born.
Theme in Yellow by Carl Sandburg
I SPOT the hills
With yellow balls in autumn.
I light the prairie cornfields
Orange and tawny gold clusters (segment)
I like this one. The light is radiant.